By Nashauna Drummond, Staff ReporterDO YOU feel naked without a coat or two of your favourite lip colour?
Well, you may want to think again before applying that favourite shade. According to an article on the website www.healthy-communications.com, tests conducted by the National Environmental Trust in the United States have found phthalates, which are known to cause birth defects in laboratory animals, in two popular brands of lipstick. The report, titled 'Cabinet Confidential', names the lipsticks which are said to contain unlabeled phthalates.
Emails circulating on the Internet also assert that another popular brand recently decreased its prices from US$67 to US$9 because it contains lead (metal chemical which causes cancer).
According to these emails, synthetic dyes used in the manufacture of lipstick can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The dyes can be absorbed into the body and stored in the organs and fatty tissues. Allergic reactions may include nausea, headaches, skin problems, fatigue and mood swings.
An article which appeared in the Arizona Networking News Journal, February/March, 1999 (Lipstick: The most dangerous of all cosmetics) warned that artificial dyes such as lanolin, and added fragrances in lipstick, could cause drying and cracking of the lips. Some believe that BHA, a commonly used preservative in lipsticks, is carcinogenic and should be avoided.
The article warned that you should not buy lipsticks containing the following ingredients: BHA, Coal Tar Dyes (i.e: Quinoline, D&C Yellow #10 and #11,to name a few), Colours with the word "Lakes" after them, FD&C colours, lanolin, fragrances, petroleum products (mineral oil, and petrolatum). On the other hand, these claims have been denied on the websites www.choice.com, and truthorfiction. com. Information on these sites say there is nothing to substantiate the claims and there is no conclusive evidence that lead causes cancer, although it is known to have other severe health effects health.
The bottom line: pay attention to the ingredients listed on cosmetic labels. Buy those of a natural origin.
LOCALLY
Aesthetician Christina Hall of cosmetic manufacturer Blends skin care located on Lady Musgrave Road, St. Andrew, says the Blends line contains only natural ingredients and is completely toxic-free.
Director of Standards and Regulation at the Ministry of Health, Princess Osbourne, notes that the Bureau of Standards has developed a standard for cosmetics in Jamaica. Therefore, the ministry checks the ingredients of lipstick and other cosmetics coming into the island.
Mrs. Osbourne adds that they are especially vigilant when products make therapeutic claims because these brands may contain drugs or herbs that could adversely affect consumers.
THE UNITED STATES
Under the policy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), cosmetics companies are required to warn consumers of potentially harmful ingredients in their products. However, the FDA does not review or approve cosmetics ingredients before they are sold to the public.
INTERNATIONALLY
There is an independent inter-national body that monitors the ingredients in cosmetics. Ingredients must be approved as safe, by this body, before they are compounded.
There is also a GRASS list (generally recognised as safe) against which all listed ingredients are checked. Jamaica also uses this GRASS list. If some ingredients are below a certain concentration they are not listed.
